Tuesday, August 28, 2012

NBA Rumors: Why Minnesota Timberwolves Would be Smart to Add Another Big Man

Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn is allegedly interested in adding another big man to team with Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic and newly acquired Greg Stiemsma.

According to Charlie Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Kahn is looking to free agency once again to add some size to the perimeter-oriented Wolves roster. However, the offer isn't likely to exceed the veteran minimum of approximately $1 million.

This continues a stunning run by Kahn of making smart moves and striding toward being a competent NBA executive after frequently-criticized transactions actions at the beginning of his tenure in 2009.

Love is the team's superstar, and although he has the body to play inside, he has morphed into a frequent three-point shooter.

While Pekovic has established himself as an offensive threat down low and Stiemsma provides necessary help on the interior defense, the Wolves definitely need one more body to add depth to the front line.

Here are a few players the Wolves and Kahn may consider targeting, keeping in mind that it won't be a player who commands a big salary.

Kenyon Martin, PF

At age 34, the former No. 1 overall pick won't likely be able to squeeze any more salary than the minimum in order to sign.

Martin has quite a bit of mileage on him, and isn't nearly the player he once was. The good news for Minnesota and him is that he doesn't have to be.

He still has the ability to be a valuable role player, as he flashed this past year after signing in the middle of the season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

During the Clippers' run to the Western Conference semifinals, Martin played only 17.5 minutes per game, but averaged 4.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game in limited action.

Last year, Mike Tokito of The Oregonian pointed to head coach Rick Adelman's reputation as a players coach and his ability to get the best out of those who have clashed with previous coaches.

With Martin's record and Adelman's easy-going nature, it's a match worth looking into for the Wolves.

Juwan Howard, PF/C

Coming off his first NBA title as a role player for the Miami Heat, Howard isn't likely to return to South Beach.

The former top-five draft pick and Fab Five member has been an NBA journeyman, playing for eight different teams during his 18-year career.

It's unclear how much he has left in the tank, but Howard didn't play too much last season, and hasn't made any announcement to retire.

Sun Sentinel columnist Ira Winderman documented a quote from Dwyane Wade, who would love to see Howard come back to the Heat as a player or even as a coach:

We would love him around, no matter what the case may be. If it's around as a player? Yeah. If it's around as part of the coaching staff, we just want him to be here.

Convincing Howard to be a veteran mentor on an up-and-coming team that could make a playoff push may be a tough sell.

The big kicker in the Wolves favor, though, is that Howard would likely see a significant increase in playing time.

Josh Harrellson, PF/C

In another Heat-related matter, Harrellson worked out with the team recently, but is also lined up to work out for three more teams in the next week or two.

This information comes from FOX Sports columnist Chris Tomasson, who also reports that Harrellson's agent declined to reveal the teams that the former New York Knick would be working out for.

Considering the Wolves' interest in a big man and their projected asking price, Harrellson seems like a perfect fit for what they need.

At 6'10", 275 pounds, Harrellson has the adequate size to bang around inside with NBA big men, and his youth is an attractive asset as opposed to someone like Howard.

Harrellson is the classic glue guy: A hustle player with a high motor, a decent outside shot and a capable facilitator. He is an underrated passer for a big man.

With Pekovic and Stiemsma on the inside, Harrellson would be more comparable to Love as far as big men are concerned, which isn't a bad thing.

Offensive efficiency, reliability and a high basketball IQ is just about all the Timberwolves could ask for in a young, free agent big man. Harrellson makes a lot of sense.